dslr video

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A few DSLR Video cameras output a 1080i signal from the HDMI port for previewing, but the moment you hit record, the HDMI out drops down to 480 SD. Maybe the camera doesn't have enough processing power, or maybe there's some type of conspiracy going on. Either way, most LCD monitors will blank out for a second as it needs to detect the new video feed. A few monitors over the years have added certain features to prevent this, and you just need to find the right mode. In this video i'll show you how it's done on the MustHD M-501 HDMI LCD Monitor.

So if you are shopping for a monitor, and you happen to have a camera (mostly Canon) that drops the HDMI resolution when you hit record, make sure the monitor has a feature like this to prevent those types of drop outs. Hopefully this has been helpful.

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For mirrorless shooters the built in EVF works wonders for photography. Still many will prefer to work with the rear LCD display and an LCD View Finder Loupe for video work. The problems is trying to find one that fits since typical mirrorless bodies are so compact. The new Kamerar QV-1 'M' is a spin off the current QV-1 View Finder but with a new baseplate designed to take up the extra distance. Here's a closer look in this video below.

This new baseplate is not just compatible with small cameras like the GH3, but should be seamless for the upcoming Pansonic GH4. Heck, it might even work with that new Nikon 1 V3 just announced. Here's a few images below on how the Kamerar QV-1 M LCD View Finder also mounts perfectly to another very popular camera - the Sony A7 / A7r.

Kamerar QV-1 M on Sony A7
Kamerar QV1M LCD View Finder Sony A7 Mirrorless Gh4Sony A7r A7 LCD View Finder Loupe Kamerar QV-1 M

With the extra space compensated for, other small compact cameras will have an easier time getting this LCD View Finder to mount up. [Sorry still won't work for the BMPCC Camera] The QV-1 Quick Release Base (QB-15) allows a simple way to add 15mm rails to a compact camera system. More info following the jump (click here).

QV1M-6_largeQV1M-1_large
find-price-button Kamerar QV-1 M LCD ViewFinder for Compact Cameras

QV1 15mm rail kitQV1 Quick release base plate
find-price-button Optional 15mm Rail Kit for QV-1 M

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Nikon has announced an updated model in their mirrorless lineup. Still highly targeted towards photographers looking for a serious interchangeable lens compact, they have added a few improvements in HD Video.

nikon-v3-compact-mirrorless
find-price-button Nikon 1 V3 Mirrorless Digital Camera

There is quite a bit going on with the new announcement of the Nikon V1 V3 compact Mirrorless Digital Camera, that i'll let the video below explain the details and highlights.

The video moves quick, but if i'm understanding this correctly a few highlights are that the new Nikon 1 V3 captures HD Video at 60fps, and 120fps in 720 for slow motion. While recording video, you can still capture full resolution images without interrupting your video recording. The camera uses a type of in-camera stabilization during video recording when using non Nikon lenses.

For stills auto focus speeds are improved, and you can get 20fps burst with Auto Focus and up to 60fps without AF. two new lenses announced are the NIKKOR VA-10-30 (27-81mm equivalent) and NIKKOR VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 lens (with a massive 189mm–810mm equivalent). Definitely not a camera targeted for specifically for filmmaking or cinema, but sounds like a great travel companion especially if you're perhaps into sports or wildlife.

m_V3_0
Nikon 1 V3 Digital Camera		 m_10_30_PD_BK_a_0
NIKKOR 10-30mm 		m_VR_70_300_TR_a
NIKKOR VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6

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If you're shooting video outdoors on a bright day with a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, chances are you're working with ND filters. ND Filters are essential to keep your shutter speeds down, while keeping your lens aperture wide open. One of the most annoying things of course is working with different lenses that each require different filter sizes and step up rings.

If you understand the frustration, then you'll be interested in checking out the new Fotodiox Vizelex ND Throttle Lens Mount Adapter. Instead of placing a variable ND filter on the front of the lens, the variable ND filter is actually built into the lens adapter (located behind the lens).

The first version of the Fotodiox Vizelex ND Throttle available is only for Canon EOS to Sony E Mount. Example compatible cameras listed are the Sony NEX-3, NEX-5, NEX-C3, NEX-5N, NEX-7, NEX-F3, NEX-5R, NEX-6, Sony NEX-VG10, NEX-VG20, NEX-VG30, NEX-VG900, NEX-FS100, NEX-FS700, NEX-EA50.

I don't see why a variable ND filter lens mount can't be made with M4/3 adapters, so hopefully that will follow up soon. Check out the product page for additional photos and specs for the new Fotodiox Vizelex ND Throttle (click here).

Canon eos-nex-pro-vzlx-thrtl-01 ND throttleCanon EOS EF to Sony NEX ND Variable lens Mount Vizelexeos-nex-pro-vzlx-thrtl-02 Cheesycam Fotodiox Lens Mount
find-price-button FotoDiox Vizelex Variable ND Throttle Canon EOS EF to Sony NEX E Mount Lens Adapter

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Here's a short product overview shared with us by HDSLRnow for a set of highly adjustable rig handles. The handles can accept both 15mm and 19mm rails.

For more of these quick tips, follow HDSLRnow via Twitter. As far as the product goes, in the video I noticed the rails use a blue accent, but in the actual listing it shows all parts are accented in Red. Priced just under $200 dollars and found via ebay (here).

camtree-hunt-handle 2$_3
find-price-button 15mm / 19mm Adjustable Rig Handles

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Over the past few weeks you've probably seen a few of these MustHD LCD monitors pop in in some of my videos. Here's a closer look at two specific models and what the M-701 (7 inch) and M-501 (5 inch) monitors have to offer.

According to Camera Motion Research "MustHD monitors have a full feature set and great build quality, including the excellent removable folding sun shade, battery plate and battery locking, and HDMI cable locks. Color accuracy out of the box, particularly on the M701 is outstanding. They are the best performing monitors we have found at a very affordable price."

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M-701 Color Accuracy Test

Besides offering a detachable sun hood, an HDMI lock, and HDMI pass through, each monitor can accept three different optional battery plates for Sony, Canon, or Panasonic and share similar software features such as Focus Peaking, False Color, Black and White, Blue Only, Zoom, and more. For an entire specification sheet of each model, check out the https://CamotionLLC.com website (found here).

M501M701
find-price-button MustHD LCD Monitors M-701 & M-501

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Working on the new MacBook Pro with fixed hard disk space, pretty much forces me to handle bigger projects with external drives. I often work with a slim external USB 3.0 SATA Drive, and for larger files where I need more performance I can work with Solid State drives, and for the fastest speeds I switch to a portable SSD Thunderbolt adapter.

The problem with always working with external drives is having the drive dangling around. I was searching for a simple (non-permanent) way to mount a drive to the back of my laptop screen, and came up with a new use for these cheap Super Sticky Dash Mats

Here are a few images below using my 'corny' dash mat mount. Obviously you want to work with a lightweight portable drive like the Seagate Slim (found here), but these mats are sticky enough to carry my Seagate Portable Thunderbolt adapter for true performance editing (found here).

Sticky Dash Mat Hard Drive Mount Laptop Macbook Cheesycam
Slim Seagate USB 3.0 Hard Drive Mounted with Dash Mat

Seagate Thunderbolt SSD Drive
Need Speed? My portable Thunderbolt Adapter for SSD Drives

Check out the holding power of these dash mats. That's a 5 pound weight (not even using full surface area) held vertically. That would be the equivalent of mounting 15 of my solid state drives together. [A Canon 5D DSLR weighs under 2 pounds] Definitely more than enough super strong holding power for just one drive.

These dash mats can probably be found at your local hardware or office store, but you'll find them cheapest on Amazon (click here).

non slip dash mat temporary hard drive mount Macbook DIY
find-price-button Super Sticky Reusable Washable Dash Mat

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Over the last few months F&V has been slowly introducing a new line of UltraColor LED Video lights. From what I understand this will not replace the less expensive models as many of us seem to be getting along with them. Essentially the new UltraColor LED lights are built around existing popular models (z96/z180), but with LED bulbs that offer a higher CRI rating for demanding professionals.

Below are the test charts from fairly common (affordable) on-camera LED Video Lights from the video. Typically floating around a 74-76 CRI rating from the meter.

240 LED240 LED Spectrum

240 LED Video Light
find-price-button 240 Bi-Color LED Light

312 LED312 LED Spectrum

312 LED Video Light AS Bi-Color
find-price-button 312 LED Video Light

Old Z96Old Z96 Spectrum
find-price-button (generic) Z96 LED Video Light

New F&V Z96 / Z180 UltraColor LED Lights

Now here's the test charts from the new UltraColor LED Lights with ratings from 92-94. Although my tests were not conducted with accuracy (don't quote my readings), looking at the charts below these lights indeed offer higher quality CRI ratings. Visually you can see apparent differences in the red area of the spectrum compared to the previous lights.

New Z96 New Z96 Spectrum
F&V UltraColor Z96 LED Video Light

Z180 LEDZ180 LED Spectrum
F&V UltraColor Z180 LED Video Light

Like many companies who offer more affordable cameras to highly professional systems, F&V has opened up their product line. If you're happy with the quality and color from their original LED video lights, then they are happy to pass those savings on. If you're a demanding professional who requires the high quality of the new UltraColor LED Video lights, they've got you covered as well. It's always nice to have more options. For more info on these products, check out the F&V website (here).

fvlight z180 z96 UltraColor LED Video Lights
find-price-button F&V UltraColor LED Video Lighting Z180 / Z96

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Panasonic GH4 pre-Order

Emails are going out about Preorders for the new Panasonic's latest 4K capable mirrorless DMC-GH4. If you have not had the chance to secure your place in line for GH4, tonight at midnight retailers should be opening up the 'add to cart' option.

I would suggest using the 'notify' options in the websites below just to make sure you're getting notifications. This should be a pretty hot camera, and possibly a hard one to get a hold of after it starts shipping. If you're still on the fence, you may want to just go for the pre-order and hold your place in line. According to the actual ship date (late April / May) you'll have several weeks for a chance to cancel or modify your order - should you change your mind.

Here's a few links below to the items that should go live tonight via Adorama.

Panasonic GH4 order stock inventory
find-price-button Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Only, Black - with 4K Video Recording / Price: $1,698


find-price-button Panasonic LUMIX DMW-YAGH Interface Unit, Pro Audio Video Interface for LUMIX GH4 / Price: $1,998

DMC-GH4 GH4-7
find-price-button Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Camera Body, Black with DMW-YAGH Pro Audio Video Interface Unit /Price: $3,298 (save $398 on combo)

It's possible to order something from Panasonic's website, but when I was ready to check out it totaled over $4K. Many of you will find up to a $700 dollar difference via B&H (no added tax, free shipping, and bundle deal). Check out the Panasonic GH4 products via B&H (I got my order in for the combo…)

DMC-GH4 GH4-7
find-price-button Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 with DMW-YAGH Pro Audio Video Interface Unit